The sister restaurant to Healdsburg's beloved Scopa, this charmer from chef/owner Ari Rosen is every bit as idyllic as its elder sibling.

Named in part for Rosen's daughter, Serafina, the Cal-Italian restaurant has a bocce court and outdoor wood-burning pizza oven. There's a grand patio in the back, plenty of exposed brick inside and out and relaxed diners everywhere you turn.

The vibe: Don't be alarmed if the restaurant appears empty when you walk in on a nice day. It's because everyone is outside, soaking up the atmosphere in the back patio. There, you can sip a cocktail, have a bite, play some bocce and watch chefs turn out some of the best pizzas in town. As the weather turns, the buzz shifts to the narrow dining room and its warm, red leather banquettes and brick walls.

The crowd: More tourists and city types than locals, at least during the summer months - and busy harvest season, of course.

Best seat: The cocktail tables on the patio give you a leg (or shoulder) up on other diners, but any outdoor seat will put you in a Zen-like state. Inside, the curved banquette closest to the street window is great for groups.

Killer app: Which to choose? The charred octopus ($13.50) is outstanding - simultaneously smoky, creamy and salty with the addition of potatoes and olives. The pizzas ($13.50-$16.50) are also top notch, be it a classic Margherita or a pie topped with house-made charcuterie. The Old School ($9.50) is a meatball sandwich done right.